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Porter sticking with Grossman in center field

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Grossman's nice grab 0:27

5/10/13: Robbie Grossman makes the great sliding catch in shallow center field to end the bases-loaded threat in the third

By Brian McTaggart
/
MLB.com |

HOUSTON -- Astros manager Bo Porter remains committed to giving more at-bats to rookie center fielder Robbie Grossman, who has started 15 of the team's past 17 games in center field. Grossman entered Saturday hitting .188, but had hit safely in nine of his previous 11 games with a .360 on-base percentage.

"We're going to continue to give him an opportunity to play," Porter said. "That's why he's here, and he's going to continue to get that opportunity until we decide to make a different decision."

Porter is a huge fan of Grossman's gritty style of play and his tools, and the manager plans to give him as much time as he can to see what he can do. Grossman's a very good defensive outfielder, but he's aggressive on the bases as well.

Grossman was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on April 24 after he hit .324 with a .452 on-base percentage in 19 games.

"He definitely works the count and he's hit several balls on the nose," Porter said. "From an average standpoint, he may not have anything to show for it, but every time you look around he's squaring the ball up and somebody's making a diving play or a great play. He has tremendous at-bats and he's done a lot of good things since he's been here."